5 incredible British coastal homes (that’ll make you want to pack up and head to the sea)

From a country home to minimalist escape, these are the seaside properties making waves

Words: Jonathan Wells

It’s not just something lazy doctors used to prescribe — sea air really can do you the world of good. And Britain, with almost 8,000 miles of coastline, has some cracking spots to visit. But, better than a brief break, why not uproot from inland for good and dock your life on the seashore?

These are the perfect pads on the coast — regardless of the reason you’re moving — so up anchors from the hustle and bustle of city life, and discover a new and calming life by the waves.

For the grander life by the sea

Any house that contains a literary museum is alright by us. And Glenthorne, in Devon, is an eclectic Grade II listed country house, that could be sitting anywhere from the northern moors to the home counties, but instead chose to sit on the dramatic North Somerset coastline.

Ancient woodland swamps this house, cutting you off even further from the outside world. It may sound like the perfect house for a holiday, but we can’t think of anywhere better to relocate to. Just look at those views. And, if you’re worried you’d get bored in such isolation, remember: that literary museum isn’t short of books that need reading…

For the budding sailor

What better a reason to move to the coast than an ardent love of sailing? If you’re a dab hand with knots and can’t keep off the water, then this property – a repurposed bakery – would be the perfect place for you. And, situated in Plymouth, it’s not as out of the way as Glenthorne.

The Royal William Yard, where the Mills Bakery is located, is a new 15-acre development created to provide a vast array of new eating and drinking experiences in the heart of this southern city. So even when you finally do drop anchor – right in front of your house, no less – you’ll still be sufficiently entertained.

For those who value their views

What’s more to say that the pictures of Dove Rock can’t? This magnificent refurbishment is comfortable, luxurious and its views simply sublime. Imagine waking up on the weekend and standing in your waterfront garden with a cup of coffee — it won’t get much better than that.

5 bedrooms also make this the perfect property in which to entertain. Your friends, slogging away all week in the city, will come flocking to the coast every weekend to make the most of your beautiful cliff-set house. And, although they get to experience this luxury life but fleetingly, you get to live it.

For the modern minimalist

We tend to associate seaside living with big cable knit jumpers, burly fishermen drinking ale in cosy pubs and roaring fires to fend off the bitter, salty winds. Many people are drawn to the coast for these reasons;but they are also the reason many stay away. If you fall into the latter camp, then this chic minimalist escape is for you.

It may be within walking distance of Poole Harbour, but 1 Seahorses is slick, sophisticated and highly modern. Want underfloor heating instead of that roaring fire? Done. Fancy full double glazing so you can leave your cable knit jumper in the cupboard? No problem. Thought houses as modern as this didn’t exist in cosy seaside towns? Prepare to be proved wrong.

For the exclusive, tech-minded mover

Just doors down from 1 Seahorses, this striking house was regarded as the most technologically advanced house in Britain when constructed. That’s right, The Moorings – a ‘super-house’ – wasn’t built in the centre of London, or in the rapidly-gentrifying bubbles of Manchester or Birmingham, but rather on the Dorset coast.

Inside, a fully-automated system controls the whole house. ‘Zones’ can be pre-programmed with light and heat, energy is geo-thermal and solar, a weather station sits on the roof and tracks the sun, concealed speakers sit behind the plaster and sensors keep the bathrooms clean and ticking over. You’d be forgiven for forgetting you were even by the sea – until you look out of the window…